Puberty is the physical and sexual maturation involving growth spurts and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics such as hair and genital development. The onset of puberty generally occurs in boys between the ages of 10-13.
If a teen’s breasts are noticeable and the teen is not heavy, suspect that a hormone imbalance is present.
Gynecomastia or Man-Boobs
When young males produce more of the female hormone estrogen, there is a hormone imbalance and it can affect male self-esteem in a big way. However, obese children may have large breasts due to excess fat and is not a hormone imbalance. Once a child loses weight, the large breasts often disappear.
Gynecomastia presents in mid-to-late puberty; young male teens can develop gynecomastia because of too much estrogen and too little testosterone. Gynecomastia causes enlargements of male breasts known colloquially as man-boobs. It may be present in one breast or both and is located under the nipples. Gynecomastia generally is short lived, lasting three to six months in most cases. A few teen boys may have the condition longer. Sometimes the breasts can be painful or tender, especially when boys put on clothes that rub against the breasts. When the breasts are tender or painful, the doctor can prescribe medication.
Delayed Puberty
If there is no increase in testicular volume (size) by the age of 14, it is delayed puberty. One cause of this condition, called constitutional delay, often runs in families and if this is the case, normal puberty will return. Constitutional delay affects growth, the onset of pubic and facial hair and is more common in boys than in girls.
Another cause of delayed puberty is hypogonadism or low testosterone levels. Symptoms are impaired growth of genitals, impaired hair growth and the arms and legs grow disproportionately to the rest of the body.
The condition, labeled primary or secondary hypogonadism is due to testicular failure (primary) or a problem with the testes. Secondary hypogonadism is a problem with the pituitary gland, which stimulates release of testosterone. Boys whose testicles have not descended at birth will cause primary hypogonadism. The condition usually corrects itself within the first one or two years after birth. Some diseases of childhood, such as mumps, could result in hypogonadism.
Secondary hypogonadism can result with certain types of medications, pituitary conditions, obesity, or infectious diseases.
See a physician if the symptoms appear because conditions such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis can cause delayed puberty, as will thyroid, pituitary conditions, and abnormal testes. A doctor will take blood tests to check for the condition.
Precocious puberty or early onset of puberty in teen boys before the age of nine may be constitutional precocious puberty, which also tends to run in families. However, consult a physician to rule out other possible causes such as diet or previous surgery.
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid is an important gland in the body located near the Adams Apple on the windpipe. The thyroid produces several hormones that affect metabolism and body temperature.
If a teen boy is sleeping too much; has no tolerance for cold, and a few hairs rest on the pillow or there is a gain in weight, the teen may be suffering from hypothyroidism. The boy is not producing enough of the thyroid hormones T3, T4, and TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or not getting enough iodine in the diet. In most cases, increasing iodine intake in food, such as iodized salt may cure the problem.
Hyperthyroidism is an increase in thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism causes excess energy, hair loss, insomnia, and increased heart rate. Generally, the teen will lose weight quickly.
Hyperthyroidism is best diagnosed by a physician because the symptoms can be life threatening.
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